Last updated at 15:10, Wednesday, 24 February 2010

NORTHERN Rail Cup winners Widnes are a side with their sights set firmly on Super League come 2012.

DOUBLE AGENT: Shaun Ainscough is registered with both Wigan and Widnes

That victory over Barrow in Blackpool last July guaranteed them the right to apply when the franchises are decided next year, but they will not be resting on their laurels this time round.

Boosted by the dual-registration deals on Chris Dean, Shaun Ainscough and Liam Farrell, as well as a loan deal for Ben Davies from Wigan, the Vikings have built up a squad they feel is capable of challenging for the Championship crown.

While head coach Paul Cullen has been spending much of his time with his ill wife this year, the coaching duties have fallen to two men with strong Barrow connections.

Assistant boss Stuart Wilkinson was in charge at Craven Park for a time in the 1990s, while Mick Cassidy played his part in Raiders’ promotion season in 2008. Wilkinson feels that Cullen, who took over at Widnes midway through last season, has been able to shape the squad the way he wants it and is confident that will pay dividends.

“There have been a lot of changes this year. Paul inherited a team last year, I stepped in to help him about midway through and he has now managed to do some recruitment and make it look a bit like a Paul Cullen team,” said Ulverston-raised Wilkinson.

“There is a completely different look and a completely different feel to what we do.

“Paul is hoping to play a little bit more his brand of rugby and so we have gone through a lot of changes.

“This is definitely the kind of team he wants to have.”

As well as the quartet of dual-registration players, the Vikings have also brought in the likes of Thomas Coyle, Chris Gerrard, James Ford and Walneyite Matt Gardner.

There is also, of course, Dave Allen, the forward who jumped ship from Barrow and headed to the Stobart having previously agreed a deal at Craven Park.

Widnes are also keen to bring through the next generation of youngsters, feeling that will help in their quest for Super League, though that is not something Wilkinson says is talked about.

He added: “We don’t even discuss the ticks in the Super League box, or the Northern Rail Cup. We are just totally focused on ourselves and improving every week.

“We are working on our weaknesses and our strengths, and trying to improve each week and become a better player and a better person.”

First published at 13:15, Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk